Information overload
Are you pregnant? Have a new baby? Thinking about the journey ahead can come with a huge sense of excitement, but can also feel overwhelming at the same time, especially if you feel unsure of what to expect.
Like most parents-to-be, you may have found yourself down a Google rabbit hole. There are so many websites and apps to download, not to mention the endless TikToks, Instagram posts and Facebook groups. While it’s fun to learn when your baby is the size of a papaya or follow social media influencers, these resources may not provide a full picture of what to expect and often do not come from a trusted, research-based source.
WDG Public Health’s FREE Online Prenatal and New Parent Program
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health offers a free Online Prenatal and New Parent Program for residents of Wellington County, Dufferin County, and the City of Guelph. The program is entirely online and can be completed at your own pace. You’ll learn what to expect at every stage of pregnancy, as well as important and trustworthy information about caring for your new baby – and yourself! You’ll find information about healthy eating and physical activity during pregnancy, pain management techniques during labour, how to feed and care for baby, and so much more. It’s a one-stop-shop for information, but more importantly it helps new parents and parents-to-be to feel confident about the journey ahead.
What are real parents saying?
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some parents had to say about the Online Prenatal and New Parent Program:
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“I liked that it included honest views and real-life stories from mothers and partners.”
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“It had accurate information and visuals about labour, the postpartum process and breastfeeding.”
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“It was very informative and useful.”
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“The variety and comprehensiveness of topics (e.g., different labour strategies, preterm babies, postpartum recovery, diaper changing, safety tips).”
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“It had a variety of media and formats for different learning styles that kept me engaged (e.g., videos, quizzes, interactive activities).”
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“It included links to local services and resources.”
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“I loved being able to complete it at home on my own time and at my own pace.”
*Comments may be edited for length or clarity.
Register and get started today
You can register for the program by completing the online prenatal program registration form or by calling 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 to speak to a public health nurse directly. They can help you get registered, or help you find answers to parenting (and other!) questions you might have. Once completed, you’ll receive an email with a code to access the course. It’s recommended to start the program as early in your pregnancy as possible to get the most out of the program, but you can also sign up anytime during your pregnancy or first few months after your baby is born.
And remember: the program is not limited to first-time parents—we encourage partners, support persons, and parents with older children to also take the course. Mom/Dad brain fog is real, and you’d be surprised by how much a refresher can help you prepare for a new baby.
Pregnancy and parenthood are periods of constant change with an almost never-ending list of things to learn and questions to ask. The first step is making sure you have a trusted source of information that works for you, and that’s what we can offer in our Online Prenatal and New Parent Program. Sign up today and get ready to embrace parenthood confidently.